Swiss-Korean sustainability consultancy firm SolAbility recently released its 2024 Global Sustainable Competitiveness Index (GSCI) report, ranking the Philippines 67th out of 191 countries, with a score of 44.6—slightly above the global average of 43.4. At first glance this may seem encouraging, but compared to our regional neighbors, the Philippines is lagging in a race that will define the future.
In Southeast Asia, Malaysia (52nd, 46.9) and Thailand (58th, 45.6) both rank higher than the Philippines. Vietnam, at 34th, continues to excel across key sustainability dimensions. Meanwhile, regional powerhouses like Japan (10th), South Korea (16th), and China (28th) have surged ahead, driven by strong performance in intellectual capital, governance, and resource efficiency. These rankings are not just statistics; they reflect national priorities, long-term planning, and the political will to integrate sustainability into every facet of development.
The GSCI evaluates countries across six pillars: Natural Capital, Resource Efficiency, Intellectual Capital, Economic Sustainability, Social Capital, and Governance. It is a holistic framework that goes beyond Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and market performance to assess a nation’s capacity to thrive without compromising its future. In this context, sustainability is not a luxury—it is a measure of future success.
For the Philippines, the score of 44.6 suggests progress, but not decisively enough. We possess tremendous natural assets—rich biodiversity and abundant resources—that remain underutilized. Yet indicators point to troubling trends of environmental degradation and resource depletion. Nearly 60% of global Natural Capital indicators are moving in the wrong direction, and we are not exempt.
This is where architecture and urban planning can make a difference. Sustainability must no longer be an afterthought—it must be the blueprint. This ethos has been at the heart of Italpinas Development Corporation (IDC) since its inception. Our projects are designed to blend with the environment, not dominate it.
Recently, IDC entered a strategic green partnership with Security Bank, a move that will help scale our efforts in Mindanao. It is a quiet but meaningful affirmation that sustainability is bankable—that institutions view green development not as a risk, but as an opportunity.
Though this news applies to just one company, I hope it represents a step toward a broader national imperative. We need policies that reward ecological innovation and public-private partnerships that prioritize long-term impact over short-term returns. I fully support the Marcos administration’s thrust to invest in education, research, and governance systems that will enable sustainable competitiveness.
Amid these developments, it is time we also rethink how we measure success. The GSCI reminds us that true competitiveness is not about how fast we grow, but how wisely we build. It is about balancing economic ambition with ecological stewardship and ensuring that development uplifts communities rather than displaces them.
As an Italian who has resided in the Philippines for more than 15 years, I have no doubt that the country has the talent, creativity, and cultural depth to achieve these ideals and more. Our architects, engineers, and planners are capable of world-class innovation. What we need most is alignment—across sectors and across generations—so that today’s potential becomes tomorrow’s lasting progress.
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